How To Watch Dragon Ball in Correct Order (Including Movies)
If you are planning to start Dragon Ball or want to rewatch the entire franchise in the correct chronological order, this guide is for you. With multiple series, timelines, and movies, Dragon Ball can feel confusing. This article explains the perfect watch order including all canon and non-canon movies, in a simple, beginner-friendly, and Google Discover–friendly format.
📌 Table of Contents
- Introduction to Dragon Ball Timeline
- Dragon Ball (Original Series)
- Dragon Ball Z – Main Timeline
- Dragon Ball Z Movies (Watch Order)
- Dragon Ball GT – Alternate Timeline
- Dragon Ball Super – Canon Continuation
- Dragon Ball Super Movies
- Dragon Ball Heroes (Optional)
- Canon vs Non-Canon Explained
- Best Watch Order (Quick List)
- Final Recommendation
1. Introduction to Dragon Ball Timeline
The Dragon Ball franchise was created by Akira Toriyama and consists of multiple series and movies released across decades. Some movies are canon, while others exist in alternate timelines.
To enjoy the story properly, it’s important to follow a structured order.
2. Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
This is where everything begins.
Watch first:
- Dragon Ball (Episodes 1–153)
Story focus:
- Goku’s childhood
- Martial arts tournaments
- Introduction of Dragon Balls
Optional Movies (Non-Canon):
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
- Sleeping Princess in Devil’s Castle
- Mystical Adventure
These movies are retellings and can be skipped.
3. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
Dragon Ball Z follows adult Goku and introduces Saiyans, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
Watch order:
- Dragon Ball Z (Episodes 1–291)
4. Dragon Ball Z Movies – Watch Order
These movies are non-canon but highly entertaining. Watch them during their respective arcs.
| Movie | Watch After |
|---|---|
| Dead Zone | Early Saiyan Saga |
| The World’s Strongest | Saiyan Saga |
| Tree of Might | Saiyan Saga |
| Lord Slug | Saiyan Saga |
| Cooler’s Revenge | Frieza Saga |
| Return of Cooler | Android Saga |
| Super Android 13 | Android Saga |
| Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan | Cell Saga |
| Bojack Unbound | Cell Saga |
| Broly: Second Coming | Early Buu Saga |
| Bio-Broly | Buu Saga |
| Fusion Reborn | Late Buu Saga |
| Wrath of the Dragon | End of DBZ |
5. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997) – Alternate Timeline
Dragon Ball GT is not canon but continues the story after DBZ.
Watch if you want an alternate ending:
- Dragon Ball GT (Episodes 1–64)
GT introduces Super Saiyan 4 and has a unique conclusion.
6. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018) – Canon Continuation
Dragon Ball Super is the official canon sequel to Dragon Ball Z.
Watch order:
- Dragon Ball Super (Episodes 1–131)
Arcs include:
- Battle of Gods
- Resurrection F
- Universe 6 Tournament
- Goku Black Arc
- Tournament of Power
7. Dragon Ball Super Movies (Canon)
These movies are important and canon.
Correct order:
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
Both movies take place after the Tournament of Power.
8. Super Dragon Ball Heroes (Optional)
This is a promotional anime with no strict canon.
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes
Watch only if you enjoy fan-service, powerful transformations, and alternate timelines.
9. Canon vs Non-Canon Explained
Canon Content:
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z
- Dragon Ball Super
- DBS: Broly
- DBS: Super Hero
Non-Canon Content:
- DBZ Movies (except DBS movies)
- Dragon Ball GT
- Super Dragon Ball Heroes
10. Best Watch Order (Quick List)
- Dragon Ball
- Dragon Ball Z
- Dragon Ball Super
- Dragon Ball Super: Broly
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- Dragon Ball GT (Optional)
- Non-canon DBZ movies (Optional)
11. Final Recommendation
If you want the true story experience, follow only the canon watch order. If you want maximum enjoyment, include the movies and GT.
Dragon Ball remains one of the most iconic anime franchises of all time, and watching it in the correct order makes the journey even better.
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Team Monds Blogs
Anime Guides • Watch Orders • Discover-Friendly Content
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